Method of and apparatus for filling cans



Jan; 30, 1940.

J. HIMUR IZH 2,188,306

METHOD .OF AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING CANS S Sheets- Shee't 1 Filed March 10, 1937 INVENTOR Jan. 30, 1940. V J. H. MURCH 2,183,306

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING CANS Filed March 10, 1 957 G She etS-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS Jan. 30, 1940. J. H.'MURCH' 2,188,305

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING. CANS Filed March 10, 1937 V 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 vIlll LII lo/ I I H i 28/ J y I I I J lNV TOR Jan. 30, 1 940; J, H. MURCH METHOD AND APPARATUS FQRFILLING QANS Filed March 10, 1937 s Sheets-Sheet s ATTQRNI;

Jan. 30, ,1940. H, MUR H 2,188,306

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR'FILLING CANS Filed March lo, 4957 SSheets-Sheet s B 40. My. Y ATTORNEY Pmnaa 'Jan. '30, "1940 UNITED TATES.

PATENT OFFICE nm'rnon or AND u lg gsrus roa puma John H. March, East Orange, N. 1., assignor' to American Can Company, New York, N. Y.,- a corporation-o! New Jersey Application March 10, 1937, Serial No. 130,198 1'': Claims., (01. 226-428) V The present invention relates to an improved \method of filling beer and other products into air free cans andunder an atmosphere of'carbon dioxide gas preferably under considerable pressure and to an apparatus for performing the steps of such a method and has particular reference to the filling of the cans within a gas ,filling chamber maintained in sealing condition by liquid traps through which can and cover are introduced into the chamber, the can being freed of its air prior to receiving its product and after being filled under gas conditions is sealed with its cover and then removed from the filling chamber.

The present invention contemplates the use of liquid traps for separating a confined high pressure atmosphere of filling gas from a low pressure atmosphere without an attending excessive difierence in liquid levels. This is effected by 30 and gas filledchamber under pressure, to minimire foaming or other disintegration and to prevent escape of' the gaseous content of the product.

Another object is the provision of such a method and apparatus wherein the filled cans while a as still in the gas filled chamber are hermetically sealed with the gas to retain the gas within the beer.

Yet another object is the provision :of such a method of and apparatus for canning beer and 0 other products wherein the product is filled into cans within an air free and gas filled chamber maintained in. sealing condition byliquid traps having suitable valves for confining the liquid I in the traps and for assisting in transferring 45 cans and covers through the liquid, the cans being freed of air by immersion in the liquid thus being properly conditioned for receiving the product and after being filled the cans are hermetically sealed by securing the covers thereon folo lowing which the cans are removed from the filling chamber. 4

- .Another object is the provision of such a method of and apparatus for canning beer and other products in an air free gas filled chamber y wherein the chamber is maintained in sealing .tional, part elevational condition by liquid traps each comprising a pair of independent but contiguous bodies of liquid separated by a suitable valve which is also uti- .lized for transferring the can parts from one liquid to another, the liquids being i-maintained 5 under diflerent pressures and out of contact with the outside atmosphere and kept in constant circulation to free the can parts from any air trapped within them so that only air freed can parts will enter the filling chamber. 7 l0 Still-another object is the" provision of a canning method and apparatus of this character wherein the can parts are passed through a pasteurizing chamber'before being introduced into the liquid traps to free the cans of any ccntami-" l5 nation before being filled, the liquid in the traps being preferably filtered water so that the pasteurized surfaces of the can parts-will remain free from contamination during their passage through the traps and thereafter.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following, description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of one form of apparatus for carrying out the method stepsof the instant invention;

Figs; 2, 3 and 4 are enlarged vertical and sectional continuing views which when joined along the dotand dash lines of the various figures, with Fig. 3 in the middle, illustrate a part secapparatus as extending longitudinally thereof andsubstantially ,along the broken line 2-2 in Fig. 1; i

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken subs'tantially along. the line i-f-i in Fig. 3; and 40 Fig. 6 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 64 in Fig. 5.

In the machine illustrated in the drawings as a preferred embodiment of the invention,- the filling of the cans is effected in an air free chamber A (Figs. 3 and 5) which contains a suitable gas, preferably carbon dioxide, under a pressure of between twelve and twenty-five pounds per squarelnch above atmospheric pressure. The beer or other product to be filled'into the cans is introduced into this chamber.

Empty cansjo be filled with the product are introduced into the chamber A by wayof a plurality of steam filled chambers and liquid traps and this insures perfect evacuation of all air in view of the complete 35- the cans. The cans are first fed into an exhaust adjacent 'the pasteurizing with {steam at substantially chamber B (Fig. 2) in which by far the greatest percent of the air in the cans is expelled and replaced with steam at atmospheric pressure. The steam'filled cans are then passed into a chamber C (Fig. 2) where they are pasteurized. This pasteurizing chamber'is preferably filled 2 20 degrees F. and two pounds pressure above atmospheric.

The pasteurized cans are then immersed into a liquid D (Fig. 2) of a liquid trap E disposed chamber. Here any smalltrace of air which may still be in the cans mixes with the liquid and is substantially dissipated. The liquid germ freed or sterilized water confined out of contact with the atmosphere and maintained at a pressure equal to that of the steam in the pasteurizing chamber.

The water filled cans are passed by way of a submerged valve F into a second liquid G under higherpressure and also contained in the trap 12. This increases the pressure within and around the cans so that any possibletraces of air yet remaining in them will be expelled. This second liquid isnontiguous with the first mentioned liquid and is preferably also filtered water but maintained at the pressure of the gas in the air free chamber A. Cans after circulating through this water G are passed into the chamber A, drained of all water and then filled with the beer or other product.

Simultaneously with the introduction of the cans 'into the air free chamber A, can covers arealso passed into the chamber for uniting with the filled cans. The covers are first fed into aicoyer pasteurizing chamber H (Fig. 6) where they are pasteurized. This chamber is preferably filled with steam maintained at substantially 220 F. and at about two pounds pressure above atmospheric.

The pasteurized covers are next immersed into a liquid J of a liquid trap'K associated with the cover chamber- Inthe liquid the covers are substantially freed chair in a manner similar to that describedin connection with the cans being inverted when immersed in the liquid so that any tendency of trapped air clinging to the inside of the curl for example will be nullified and the air evacuated. This liquid is preferably filtered water kept out of any contact with the-atmosphere and maintained at'the pressure offthe its water, positioned onto the air free chamber A steam in the'pasteurizing chamber H.

The water surrounded cover is then passed by way of a submerged valve L (Fig. 6) into a second liquid M which is held undera higher pressure and iscontiguous with the liquid J. 'This liquid M is disposed within the trap K and is maintained at the pressure of the gas in the air free chamber A. The liquid M is preferably also filtered water. After circulating throughthe liquid, the cover-is passed into the chamber A, is drained of a filled can and united thereto in any suitable manner this hermetically sealing the can. I

The filled and sealed cans are discharged from by first immersing them of a liquid trap P open to the chamber A. The liquid N is maintained under the pressure 'of the gas in the chamber. The cans are then transferred by way of a submerged valve B into a second liquid S also in the trap P andrmaintained at atmospheric pressure. This transfer reduces the pressure on the cans. The cans are then moved into a discharge chaminto a liquid N (Fig. 4)

D is preferably filtered,

.erably in a continuous to the inside walls of the ber T preferably filled with steam at atmospheric pressure and from this chamber the sealed cans are discharged into the atmosphere to any suitable place of deposit.

It will thus be observed that the can parts and the product are at all times, during the various steps of the method, kept isolated from atmospheric air, the can parts being moved through chambers and liquid traps so that contamination of either the can parts or the product is practically entirely prevented.

For the purpose of more clearly illustrating the instant invention, the drawings show the principal parts of an apparatus adapted to permit accomplishmentof the various operations heretofore mentioned. Empty cans ll (Fig. 2) open at one end are fed into the apparatus in any suitable manner, as for example, by way of an inclined runway l2, the cans rolling on their sides pref procession. The runway l2 extends into one end of an inclined tunnel element or tube l3 which connects at its discharge end with the exhaust chamber B hereinbefore mentioned, the tunnel element forming in efl'ect a continuation of the runway for guiding the cans into the chamber. 1

The exhaust chamber B is enclosed in an elongated, vertically inclined casing II, a side wall of which is formed,integrally with the tunnel element l3, theiatter being located adjacent the bottom of the casing. Inside the casing is a suitable endiess chain conveyor which comprises a pair of spaced and parallel endless chains l-I having can carriers ll secured to them'at spaced intervals along their length. This moves past the end of the tunnel element II. The conveyor chains take over upper and lower sprockets l8, 2| which are mounted on crossshafts' 22 carried in suitable bearings formed in the casing II. The shafts are rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other mo parts'oi the apparatus.

Steam is circulated through the chamber B by a supply pipe 23 which is threaded into the easing bottom wall and by a vent pipe 24 which is.

threaded into the casing top wall.

As the cans ll enter-the steam filled exhaust chamber 3 they are picked up by the carriers ll of the conveyor l1 and are carried up along one side cf the casing II and thence down along the. opposite side to provide sufiicient time'for the steam to substantially displace the air in the cans. During this travel of the cans they are held in the carriers II by a guide casing. The substantially air free but steam filled cans upon reaching the exit end of thegulde rail 26 are individually cammed out of the conveyor carriers It by a stationary inclined cam plate 28 (Fig. 2) which is located in the bottom of the.- chamber. The cans thus ejected from the carrier are immediately discharged from the chamber by a rotating valve 28.

vValve 29 is disposed in a seat 3! which is formed in the exhaust chamber casing II at its. lower end. The valve is mounted on a shaft 32 joumaled in bearings formed in the casing and is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the travel of the conveyorchains. Spaced pockets 33 are provided in the valve for carrying the cans.

Rotation of the valve 29 moves its pockets 38 successively past the cam plate 2! and a pocket receives a can as it iscammed out of the conveyor ll. The pocketed cans are thus carried out of the exhaust chamber B and are trans rail 26 which is secured ierred into the pasteurizing chamber C herein' before mentioned.

The pasteurizing chamber C is provided in ahousing 31 which is located adjacent the exhaust A conveyor is also located within the pasteurizing chamber C and comprises a pair oi spaced and parallel endless chains 42 having can carriers 43 secured t them at spaced intervals along their length. Th se chains move past the can entrance opening 38 of housing 31 and take over upper and lower spaced sprockets 45, 46. The sprockets are mounted on cross-shafts 41 which are carried in suitable bearings formed in the casing 31 and are rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the machine.

Steam is circulated through'the chamber by means of. an inlet supply pipe 49 which is threaded into a side wall of the chamber housing 31 and ,by an outlet or vent pipe 5|, which is secured in the housing. top wall.

Steam filled cans ll entering the pasteurizing chamber C from the. exhaust chamber B are picked up by the conveyor carriers 43 as they move past the chamber opening 38 and are carried upwardly along one side of the chamber and thence downwardly along its opposite side. This provides time for proper pasteurization of the cans. A guide rail 53 which is secured to the casing walls holds the moving cans in their carriers during this travel.

At the end of travel of the cans through the pasteurizing chamber C they are passed into the trap E hereinbefore mentioned. Trap-E is preferably located directly under the pasteurizing chamber C and provides a liquid seal between chamber C and the can filling chamber A. Trap E is formed partly in the lower section of housing .31 and partly in a base member 55 on top of which housing 31 is bolted. The trap is divided into an upper compartment 56 and a lower com-v partment 51 as shown in Fig. 2. a

The upper compartment 56 is formed entirely within the lower section of. housing 31 at the bottom of the pasteurizing chamber C and is in communication therewith. This compartment is separated from the lower compartment 51 by a' bottom wall 58' which is integral with housing 31 and which is formed with an opening 8| providing communication between upper and lower compartments for the passage of canstherethrough.

Trap valve F' hereinbefore mentioned is loand an outlet or return pipefl. These pipes are threaded into a side wall of housing 31 (Fig. 2).

The water completely submerges the valve F and pasteurizing chamber C.

Thu at the end of travel oi the cans in the pasteurizing chamber 0, the conveyor 42 plunges the cans into the filtered water D in the trap upper compartment 58, the water completely filling each can so that air is expelled from the can. The conveyor drops the cans into the pockets 64 of valve F. As the valve rotates, moving its pockets past the trap opening Si in compartment bottom wall 58, a can carried in a pocket, falls out through the opening and enters the trap lower compartment 51.

The-lower compartment 51 of trap E is divided transversely by a vertical wall of housing 31 forming a baflie plate 59 which extends down into the interior of the base member 56 separating the. compartment into left and right hand sections as viewed in Fig. 2. The lower portions of these sections open into each other. The upper portion of the left hand section communicates with the opening SI of the upper compartment 56. The upper portion of the right hand section opens into a horizontal tunnel element 12 which is filled with carbon dioxide gas passing into it from chamber A as will be hereinafter described.

Filtered water G is circulated through the lower compartment by an inlet supply pipe 15 and an outlet or return pipe 16. These pipes are threaded into a side wall of the base member 55. The water completely fills the left hand section of the lower compartment and presses against the exposed part of the valve F in the opening 6|. In the right hand section of the compartment the water level is much lower as the surface is under is under the low pressure of the steam in the the high pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the tunnel element 12.

A conveyor is provided in the lower compartment of trap E and is submerged in the water. G to carry the cans therethrough. This conveyor length. The chains take over aplurality of idler sprockets l9 and a driving sprocket 8| arranged as shown in Fig. 2 so that the conveyor moves through both sections of the lower compartment. The idler sprockets are mounted on cross shafts 82. and the driving sprocke'tds mounted on a driving shaft 83 all of the shafts being carried in bearings formed in housing 31 and base member 55. The driving shaft is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the machine.

As a can ll enters the lower compartment 51 it is immediately caught in a carrier 18 of conthrough the water in the left hand section of the compartment toward the bottom of the trap and thence upwardly under the battle plate and through the right hand section of the compartment. In the right hand section the cans are carried up out of the water and enter into the tunnel element 12, the water in the meantime draining out of the cans. The drained cans immediately fill with the carbon dioxide in the tunnel. During this travel of the cans they are held in the conveyor carriers by a rail 84 which is secured to the walls of housing 31 and o brackets fastened to the baiile plate.

Tunnel element 12 provides an ante-chamber for the gas filled cans going into chamber A. The element isconnected with a covered casing 15 which encloses the chamber. The carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the-chamber by veyor I1. The conveyor carries the cans down way of an inlet supply pipe I6 threaded into a wall of the casing 15. A vent valve 11 is provided in the cover of the casing. Within the tunnel element there is disposed a, horizontal rotatable screw conveyor 9I (Figs. 2, 3 and for moving the cans therethrough.

The can receiving end of the screw conveyor 9'I is located directly overthe top of the chain conveyor driving sprocket 8|. This end of the screw 'is supported on a trunnion 92 formed integrally with the screw and journaled ina bearing block 93 secured in a wall of the casing 38. The opposite end of the screwextends into the chamber A and is supported on a similar trunnion (not shown) which is journaled in a bearing block 95 (Fig. 5) secured to a horizontal wall or table 96 of the chamber casing I5. The screw is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving partsv of the apparatus.

Cans entering the tunnel element I2 are brought into engagement with the screw conveyor 9| by the conveyor chains I1 and are propelled along a runway 98 which is located adjacent the screw. The runway comprises a plurality of spaced and parallel side and bottom guide rails 99 which are curved around the screw so that the cans will be rotated from their-horizontal position into an upright position as they are moved forward by the screw. At the end of the screw the uprightcans move out of the runway and onto'the top of the table 96 and are then in chamber A proper.

'I'h'e screw also serves as a can timing device for properly spacing the cans and for inserting theminto pockets IOI (Figs. 3 and 5) of a rotatable starwheel I02 located within the chamber. The star wheel is carried on the upper end of a substantially vertical shaft I03 journaled in suitable bearings formed in the table 96. This shaft is driven. in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. A curved guide I04 formed on the bearing block 95 holds the cans in their pockets as the star wheel rotates.

' The star'wheel advances the cans in-timed order into a suitable can filling mechanism which is located within the chamber A and which is utilized to fill the product into the cans. In the instant case the filling mechanism is arranged to fill a liquid, preferably beer, into the cans. The drawings illustrate one such type of filling mechanism which is similar to that shown in United States Patent 1,523,607 issued January 20, 1925, to F. W. Prael on Filling machine.

In such a filling mechanism the timed cans are placed by the star wheel I02 into spaced pockets I II (Figs. 3 and 5) of a rotating turret I I2 formed on a central column I I3 which is keyed to a vertical shaft I. The shaft is journaled in the chamber casing I5 and is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of' the apparatus. The cans are retained within .the turret pockets by a guide rail I I5 which is secured to the casing bottom wall 96 and which is curved around the turret parallel with its circumference.

The beer is contained in a reservoir III which is disposed within the chamber A. The reservoir is secured to a flange I I9 formed on the top of the central column H3 and rotates with the central column and the turret. The top of the. reservoir is open to the chamber A so that the carbon dioxide within the chamber will also exert a pressure on the beer and thus prevent escape of the gas contained in the beer. The supply of shaft is rotated beer in the reservoir is replenished by way of. a supply pipe I I9 which is threaded into the chamber casing cover.

The beer is dispensed from the reservoir II'I into the, pocketed cans I I by measuring and filling heads I25 which depend from the bottom of the reservoir. There is one head for each pocket of the turret II2, each head being located directly over the top of its corresponding pocket and in vertical alignment with the can retained therein.

A valve device I26 disposed in the top of each of the heads I25 and connected to a. vertical tububular stem I21, is operated by a stationary cam track I28 to measure out into the heads a predetermined quantity. of beer. The cam track is carried on brackets I29 which are secured to the inside of the chamber casing I5. I

A second valve device I32 disposed within each head adjacent its lower end is utilized to release the measured beer and to fill it into the cans. This valve is secured to a vertical rod I33 which slides within the tubular stem I21. The stemis connected to a sleeve I34 which surrounds the lower endof the head.

Release of the measured quantity of beer is effected by a lifting of the can as it is carried around in its turret pocket II I. A lifter plate I36 supports each can and is located under each pocket and is lifted vertically by a stationary cam I31. This lifting action raises the can against the head sleeve I34 moving the latter up and thereby opening the lower valve I32 permitting the beer to flow out of the head into the can.

Filling of the can is completed in approximate: ly a 180 degree revolution of the turret I I2. The filled can then descends with its lifter plate I36 to its" original level, is removed from its turret pocket II I and is thence moved toward a closing mechanism I38 which is also disposed within the air free chamber. The filled can is advanced to the closing mechanism by a suitable conveyor having can pushing fingers I (Fig. 5).

At the closing mechanism the filled can is brought into position for sealing with a can cover I50 which has been previously brought into sealing alignment with the can as will now be described, the actual sealing operation being explained hereinafter. The can covers I50 are individually introduced into the apparatus from a'stack of such covers which are arranged in a magazine I5I (Fig. 6).

. The magazine is disposed over an opening I52 formed in a cover plate I53 of a housing I54. The lower end'of the stack of covers extends through the opening and into the housing, where it is adjacent arotating cover separating screw I55 carried on a vertical shaft I56 journaled in bearings formed in a horizontal wall I5'I of the housing. The shaft is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus.

The rotating screw separates the lowermost cover from the stack and brings it to rest inan -inclined position as shown in Fig. 6.

While in the inclined position the cover is moved laterally from under the stack by a lug I6I of a rotating horizontal feed disc I62. The disc is carried on a vertical shaft I53 journaled in bearings formed in the housing wall I51. The in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. The lug on the rotating feed disc moves the cover along a curved path of travel on guide rails I65, I66 (see also Fig. 5) which are secured to the bottom of the cover plate I53. These guide rails disect the fed cover into a horizontal rotatable shaft I14 which is joumaled in a bearing: I15

formed in the housing I54. This shaft is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. Pockets I11 are provided in the valve for the covers.

Covers received in the pockets of the valve I88 are carried to a position adjacent the pasteurizing chamber H hereinbefore mentioned which is dis posed in line with the valve. Here the coversare pushed out of their pockets by cam operated fingers I18 which are located within the pockets to rest behind the covers. V

Thefingers are secured to the upper ends of vertical pins I18 which are carried in suitable bearings formed in the valve and at their lower ends carry levers I8I (Fig. 6) the movement of which, as the valve turns, is controlled by a cam groove I82. The covers thus-removed from their pockets are introduced .into the pasteurizing chamber H, through an opening I88 which is formed in the housing walls "I. a

The pasteurizing chamber H is enclosed in a vertical cylindrical structure comprising side walls I85 which are formed integrally with housing I54. The upper end of the structure is closed with a domed cap section I88 of cover plate I58 and the lower end is closed with a bottom plate I81. The bottom plate is formed with a vertical column I88 which extends up through the center .of the pasteurizing chamber and sets oil a restricted space between the column and the side walls I85 for thepassage of covers through the chamber.

The inner surface 'of' the side walls I is formed with a helical, cover supporting groove I8I. Similarly the outer surface of the central column I88 is formed with a corresponding hellcal, cover supporting groove I82. These helical grooves extend to the bottom of the structure and terminate adjacent an opening I88 which is formed in the side wall I85 adjacent the bottom plate I81.

The central column alsosupports on its top a disc I84 having secured thereto dependingrods I85 which extend down into the chamber space adjacent thecover supporting grooves. The disc is secured to the bottom end of a vertical shaft I88 which is carried in a bearing in cover plate I58 and which is rotated in' any suitable manner in time withthe other moving parts of the machine. 1

Covers introduced into the pasteurizing chamber H are received in both helical grooves I8I, I82; with a diametrically opposite fiange portion of the cover edge entering each groove. This supports the covers in a horizontal position. While the covers are thus supported the rods I85 ofrotating disc I84 push them along. the grooves through a descending helical path of travel concentric with the column I88. The coversare thus propelled through the length of the pasteurizing chamber toward its bottom wall I81.

During this travel of the covers through the chamber H they are pasteurized by steam which is circulated through the chamber. For this purpose an inlet supply pipe I81. is threaded into the chamber side wall and an outlet pipe I88 is secured in the domed cap section I88 of cover plate I58. Any air trapped in the covers or brought into the chamber with the covers mixes with the circulating steam and is carried away through the outlet pipe I88.

The covers after being pasteurized are immediately passed into the liquid trap K hereinbefore mentioned. The trap is disposed between the pasteurizing chamber H and the filling chamber A and in fact the liquid of the trap extends into the bottom of the pasteurizing chamber.

Trap K is thus naturally divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment which are separated by the valve L.

The trap upper compartment being in the bottom of the pasteurizing chamber it retains the filtered water J which is maintained under the low pressure of the steam in the chamber H. The water is circulated through the compartment by an inlet supply pipe 284 and an outlet or re- ,turn pipe 285 which are threaded into-the side wall I85 of the chamber structure.

The pasteurized covers therefore while still supported in the helical grooves I8I, I82 are moved down 'and are submergeddn the water J by rotation of disc :iI84 and are finally passed out of the compartment through the opening I83.-

The covers thus discharged from the upper compartment of trap K are received in the valve L which is located adjacent the upper compartment opening I88 and is retained in a seat 288 pockets 2" having cover ejecting fingers (not shown) which are similar to those described in connection with valve I88. Covers received by the valve are carried through degrees of travel and are then ejected into a recess 2I8 which is formed in the housing bottom wall 2I2 adjacent the valve. This recess opensinto and is filled with'the liquid of the lower compartment of trapK.

The lower compartment is formed in a base member 2 2I which supports the housing I54 and which also supports a portion of casing15 enclosing the filling chamber A. The compartment is divided transversely by a depending baflle plate 222 which extends down into the interior of base member 22I separating the compartment into left and right hand sections as viewedin Fig. 6. The baiiie plate terminates near the middle of the compartment thereby leaving the left and right hand sections joined, this being both of which are threaded into a side wall of The water in the right hand section is maintained' at apredetermined the base member 22I.

level under the high pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in chamber A.

A pair of chain conveyors 225, 226 which are located in the trap 'lowercompartment are provided for carrying, the covers through the water M. Conveyorfli is disposed in the left hand sec- -riphery of the turret 241 receive the covers I50 the upper portion of the section adjacent the' transfer valve L and over a sprocket 229 located inthe bottom portion as shown in Fig. 6. This arrangement provides a run of the chain which passes under the cover recess 2I'8. The sprockets are mounted on cross-shafts 23I which are journaled in bearings formed in the base member 22I and which are rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus.

Conveyor 226 is similar to conveyor 225 and comprises an endless chain carried on a pair of spaced sprockets 235, which are located-in the upper portion of the compartment right hand section, and on a sprocket 236 located in the bottom of the section adjacent sprocket 229 as shown in Fig. 6. These sprockets are secured to cross-shafts 231 which are journaled in bearings formed in the housing and which are rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving partsof the apparatus.

As the conveyor 225 carries a cover holder 221 under the recess 2I8 a cover I50 brought therein by the valve L falls onto the holder. The cover within its holder is then conveyed down through the liquid M in the left hand section of the compartment during which travel it is held in the holder by a pair of grooved tracks 238. These tracks are fastened to suitable brackets secured to the walls of the base member 22I.

The tracks 238 continue up on the right hand side of the baflle plate 222 and alongside of one run of the conveyor chain 226. Accordingly after a cover within its holder 221 passes under the sprocket 229 it leaves it holder 221 and is caught in a holder 239 which'is one of a series carried on the conveyor chain 226. The continuing tracks 238 eflect an easy transfer and thereupon the cover within its ,holder 239 is moved up through the liquid M section of the compartment (Fig. 6).

up out of the liquid M into the air free chamber .-A where a short horizontal run of the conveyor passes into the chamber and above the surface of the liquid in the trap. This permits the water to drain away from the covers.

:Near the end of the horizontal run of the conveyor 226, the cover carried thereby is removed by a horizontal star wheel 2 (Figs. and 6) which is located at the terminal ends of the grooved tracks 238. .The star wheel is secured to a vertical shaft 242 which is journaled in suitable bearings formed in the chamber table 96. and which is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the a'pparatus. The can covers. are received in spaced pockets 244 of the rotating star wheel and are retained therein by a curved end of one of the rooved tracks 238 which extends partially around the wheel.

The star wheel 2 rotates in time with a cover I feeding turret 241 (Fig. 5) which is disposed adjacent the star wheel and which occupies the space between the wheel and the can closing mechanismlu hereinbefore mentioned. The

cover feeding turret is secured to a vertical shaft 248 Journaled in bearings formed in the chamber table 96 and is rotated in any'suitabie manner in time with the' other moving parts of the apparatus.

Spaced cover pockets 248 formed in the pein the right hand P which-is this maintains the discharge earl er the chamber her A and is disposed within a covered housing- 255 (Fig. 3) which is formed as a part of chamber casing 15. A vent valve 256 is provided at the highest point of the housing.

The closing mechanism may be of any suitable construction, preferably of the type having devices such as for example, a turret 262 for carrying the cans and covers through the mechanism and a closing head 265 for sealing the cover to the can. One such mechanism is illustrated in P. W. Fleischer et al. United States Patent 1,601,910, issued October 5, 1926, on Multispindle double seamer.

At the'closing mechanism the transferturret 241,brings the covers into vertical alignment with the beer filled cans II which are being propelled from the filling mechanism along the chamber table 96 by the conveyor fingers I as previously described. A cover is positioned over the top of a filled can, and can and cover are simultaneously pushed into pockets formed in the turret 262 of the closing' mechanism. The turret conveys the cans, with heir covers, under the seaming head 265 where the cans are hermetrically sealed.

The sealed cans are removed from the closing mechanism by a curved stationary guide rail 261 which is formed as a part of the guide rail 5 and which extends into the path of travel of the cans in the turret-262 The moving cans strike against the rail as the turret rotates and are thereby pushed out of their pockets onto the chamber table 96.

A can removed from the closing mechanism may be caught by a decelerating device similar to that shown in N. P; Bach United. States Pat ent 2,026,811 issued January 7, 1936, on Can feeding mechanism. A cam actuated arm 2" (Fig. 5) engages the sealed can and passes it along the curved guide rail at a decreasing rate ofspeed. I

At the end of travel along the curved guide rail 261 the sealed cans are brought into engagement with a horizontal rotating screw conveyor 28 I (Figs. 4 and 5) which extends from the chamber A into a discharge housing 282 .bolted to the chamber casing 15. The ends of 285 secured in a side wall of housing 282. The

screw is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus.

Rotation of the screw conveyor 28I advances the sealed cans along a runway 286 which is curved around the outside of the screw in a manner similar to. the can entrance runway 98. The sealed cans are thus discharged from the chamber A and are also turned from an upright position into a horizontal position as they were when they first entered the apparatus as empty cans. 1 r

The sealed cans brought into the discharge housing 282 are passed through the liquid trap located adjacent the housing and space in housing 282, base member 281 and casing 288. I This compartment is provided with a depending baflle plate 28l which transversely di vides the compartment into a left hand section and a right hand section as viewed in Fig. 4. The baffle plate is formed as a part-of housing 282 and extends down into base member 281. terminating near the middle of the compartment 0 so that the sections are open to each other adjacent the bottom of the base member.

Filtered water N is circulated through the sections of the lower compartment by an inlet supply pipe 284 which is threaded in a wall of the base member 281 and by an outlet orreturn pipe 285 which is secured in a wall of housing 282. The water in the left hand section of the compartment is maintained at a predetermined level in housing 282 under the high pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in chamber A which also fills the housing. The water in the right hand section completely fills it and contacts the bottom of division wall 288 and valve R.

A conveyoris disposed in the lower compartment and is partially submerged in the water for passing the cans therethrough. The con-' veyor comprises a pair of spaced and parallel sprockets 885 arranged in the lower comparther 281. The drive shaft. is rotated in any suitendless chains 8! having can carriers 882 secured thereto at spaced intervals along their length. The chains take over a plurality of paired idler sprockets 884 and a pair of driving ment as shown in Fig. 4. .The pairs of idler sprockets are mounted on cross-shafts 888 and the driving sprockets are mountedon a drive shaft 881. These shafts are carried in suitable bearings formed in housing 282 and base memable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. 1

As the sealed cans in right hand section toward the valve R. During this travel the cans are held in their carriers by a guide rail 888 which is secured to the baffie plate 281.

7 m which is journaled in bearings formed in Near the end of travel of the cans in the lower compartment, i. e., when they are on top of the driving sprockets 888 the cans are lifted out of their carriers by a stationary deflecting (finger 888 which is secured to the compartment division wall 288. The finger directs the cansthrough an opening 8 formed in the division wall and into the path .of travel of the valve R which is. adjacent the opening.

Valve R is disposed in aseat 8 which is formed in the compartment division wall 288. The ,valve is mounted on a horizontal cross shaft dischargehousing 282 leave the screw conveyor runway 288 they fall casing 288 and which is rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. The valve is provided with can carrying-pockets 8l8 having can ejecting fingers 8 which are mounted and actuated in a man- 'ner similar to the fingers in the cover valve I88 already described.

Rotation of the valve R moves its pockets 8l8 past the opening 8 in the compartment division wall 288 in time with the passage of cans therethrough. The cans are thus picked up by the passing pockets and carried through approximately one half revolution at which time they are ejected, by the valve fingers 811, into the trap upper compartment.

The upper compartment of trap P is entirely within the casing 288. The upper part of this casing is inclined in a mannersimilar to the can exhaust chamber casing l8 and the pasteurizing chamber housing 81 (Fig. 2). The bottomportion of the upper compartment retains filtered water 3 which completely submerges the valve R. The water is circulated by an inlet supply pipe 82l and an outlet or return pipe 822 which are threaded into a side wall of the eas- The water is maintained at a predetermined level in the casing under the low pressure of steam which is circulated through the upper portion of the compartment. This steam enters the compartment through an inlet supply pipe 828 which is threaded into a wall of casing 288 above the level of the water. The steam is vented out through a can discharge opening 824 formed in the casing side wall near the top of the compartment.

Within the upper compartment there is a conveyor comprising a pair of spaced and parallel endless chains 828 having spaced can carriers 821 secured thereto at intervals along their length. The chains take over a pair of idler sprockets 829 located in the lower portion of the compartment adjacent the valve R and over a pair of driving sprockets 88! located in the upper portion of the compartment adjacent the on a cross-shaft 882 anddriving sprockets 881 are mounted on a driving shaft 888. These shafts are journaled in bearings formed in the casing 288, the driving shaft being rotated in any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the apparatus. 1

As the sealed cans are ejected from valve R they are picked up by the carriers 821 of chains 828 and are conveyed up through the water S and steam in the upper compartment.- During this travelof the cans they are held in their carriers by a guide rail 888 which is secured to a side wall of casing 288. when the cans reach the top of the conveyor they are lifted from their carriers, while passing over the driving sprockets 88l, by an inner extension 888 of an inclined discharge chute 888. Chute 888 projects through the compartment discharge opening 824 and conveys the cans to a suitable place of deposit. The cans thus removed from the conveyor, roll down the chute and are discharged from the machine.

It is thought that theinvention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form,- construction, and arrangement of parts of the apparatus mentioned'herein and ir the stepsand their order of accomplishment oi the process described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing. all of its material advantages, the

apparatus and process hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air free filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled, a liquid trap located in communication with said chamber for maintaining the latter in sealed condition, and a valve in said liquid trap for confining the liquid and for introducing the empty cans into said trap, and means in said trap for receiving the empty cans from said valve and conveying the cans through the confined liquid and into said filling chamber.

2. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, thecombination of an air iree filling chamber for receiving empty cans to 'be filled, a liquid trap in communication with said chamber for maintaining the chamber in sealed condition, a valve in said liquid trap for confining the liquid and for introducing the empty cans into said trap, and means in said trap for receiving the empty cans from said valve and conveying the same through the confined liquid and into said filling chamber, and means for circulating the liquid within said trap to carry oii air brought into and mixed with the liquid by the passage of the cans therethrough.

3. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air iree filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled, devices located within said filling chamther for filling the product into said empty cans,

. a liquid trap in communicationwith said chamher for maintaining the chamber in sealed condition, and a valve in said liquid trap for confining the liquid and for introducing the empty cans into'said trap, and means in said trap for receiving the empty cans from said'valve and conveying the same through the confined liquid and into said filling chamber.

4. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air tree filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled, a liquid trap communicating with said chamber and containing a liquid for maintaining the chamber in sealed condition, a valve in said liquid trap for confining the liquid therein. and for introducing the empty cans into theconfined liquid, and an endless conveyor in said trap for receiving the empty cans from said valve and moving the same through the liquid and into saidchamber for filling with the product.

. chamber for filling the-empty cans with a product, can closing means also located withhi said chamber for uniting a cover with a filled can,

inlet and outlet liquid traps communicating with said chamber and through which the cans and covers pass when brought into said chamber and through which the closed cans pass when discharged itrom the chamber, the liquid contained in said liquid traps maintaining the chamber in sealed condition, valves in said trapsfor confining the liquid therein and for passing the empty cans and covers into and the closed cans out of said confined liquid, and conveyors in said communicating with said chamber and through ucts-into cans, the combination of an air free said traps.

traps for moving the can parts and the closed cans through said traps.

6. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of-anair free filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be 5 from said pasteurizing chamber and for passing them through said trap liquid.

'1. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air tree filling chamber maintained at a pressure for receiving .empty cans to be filled, a liquid trap which. the empty cans are passed for delivery into said chamber, said trap containing a liquid for maintaining the chamber in sealing condition, and a valve in said liquid dividing the latter into two contiguous portions one of which is confined under the pressure of the filling chamber and the other of which is maintained at a diti'erent pressure.

8. In a machine for filling beer and other prodfilling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled, a liquid trap communicating with said chamber and containing a liquid for maintaining the chamber in sealing condition, a valve in said liquid trap for confining the liquid therein, a pasteurizing chamber communicating with said liquid trap, an exhaust chamber communicating with said pasteurizing chamber, and can feeding means for passing empty cans through said chambers and said liquid trap for delivery into said filling chamber whereby the cans are progressively exhausted or air, are pasteurized and are delivered into said filling chamber free of all air and in condition for filling. I g 9. In a machine for filling beer and other products'into cans, the combination of an air tree filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled, separate liquid traps communicating with said chamber and through which empty cans and can covers are passed for delivery into said chamber. said traps containing liquid for maintaining the chamber in sealing condition, a valve in each of said liquid traps for confining the liquid therein and for passing. the cans and their covers into and through the'liquid, and pasteurizing chambers communicating with said liquid traps and through which the cans and covers are passed for pasteurization prior to their introduction into 10. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air free filling chamber for receiving empty cans to be filled and covers for closing the filled cans. filling mechanism located within said chamber for'filling the empty cans with a product, can closing means also located within said chamber for sealing the filled can with a cover,,a liquid trap commtmicating with said chamber and through which the sealed cans are discharged from said chamber, said trap containing a liquid for maintaining said chamber insealing condition, means for conveying the filled and closed cans from said closing means to said liquid-trap, a valve in said liquid trapfor confining said liquid andthrough which the sealedcansare 18 means in said trap for moving the filled cans therethrough and from said first mentioned conveyor means to said valve.

11. In a machine for filling beer and other products into cans, the combination of an air free filling chamber maintained under a pressure for receiving empty cans to be filled and covers for closing the filled cans, filling mechanism located within said chamber for filling the empty cans with a product, can closing means also located within said chamber for sealing the filled can with a cover, a liquid trap communieating with said chamberand through which the sealed cans are discharged from said chamber, said trap containing a liquid for maintaining said chamber in sealing condition, a valve in said liquid trap dividing the liquid into two portions and confining one portion under the pressure of the filling chamber, a discharge chamber communicating with said liquid trap and containing a gas under a pressure different than that of said filling chamber for protecting the unconfined portion of the liquid in the trap against the outside atmosphere, and conveyors in said trap and in said discharge chamber for discharging the sealed can by way of said valve from the filling exhaust chamber, means communicating with said chamber for freeing empty cans of air and replacing the same with steam, an air free chamber containing carbon dioxide gas under pressure confined out of contact with air, devices including a liquid trap chamber through which the empty cans are introduced into said gas filled chamber, and filling mechanism disposed in said air free chamber for filling the cans with liquid thereby replacing the gas in the cans and while under pressure of the gas in said chamber.

13. In a machine for filling carbonated or gasified liquids i'nto cans, the combination of a plurality of treating chambers, means for feeding empty cans to be filled to one of said chamhers, means communicating with said chambersfor freeing empty cans and covers of air and replacing the same with steam, a plurality of air free chambers containing carbon dioxide gas under pressure confined out of contact with air, devices including intercommunicating liquid trap chambers through which the empty cans and covers are introduced respectively into said gas filled chambers, filling mechanism disposed said air tree chamber, means for conveying empty cans while turned on their sides through the trap liquid to fill the same and to free them of air, means ior transferring the liquid filled air freed cans from said conveying means and into said chamber the while draining them of the trap liquid whereby the emptied cans are filled with the carbon dioxide gas of the chamber, means associated with said transferrin means for turning said empty cans to upright position and filling mechanism disposed in said chamber for replacing the gas in the cans with the product while under the pressure of the gas within the chamber.

15. A method of filling beer and other products into an air free can while in a closed air free filling chamber which comprises first feeding empty air filled cans and replacing the air therein with steam, then moving said cans through a liquid trap whereby the can is filled with the trap liquid, thence delivering the can into a:

ing chamber, which comprises first pasteurizing' continuously and progressively a plurality of empty cans and passing the same while turned on their sides continuously and in succession through a liquid trap whereby the can is filled with the trap liquid, thence continuously delivering the cans into a filling chamber the while emptying the cans of their trap liquid and tuming the empty cans to upright filling position, pasteurizing a can cover and delivering it into said filling chamber, successively filling the cans with the product while in said filling chamber, and securing said pasteurized cover onto the filled cans to seal the product within the latter,

1'1. A method of filling beer and other products into'an air tree can while in an air tree filling chamber, which comprises first substantially exhausting the air from a plurality of empty cans, continuously and successively pasteurlzing the exhausted cans and passing the some while turned on their sides through a liquid trap whereby the cans are progressively filled with the trap liquid and any air remain-'- ing in the cans is displaced and expelled there'- from, thence delivering the liquid filled air free cans successively into a filling chamber the while emptying the cans of their trap liquid and i turning the empty cans to upright filling position, pasteurizing successively a plurality of can covers and delivering the same into said filling chamber, progressively filling the empty cans with the product while in said filling chamber,

and respectively securing said pasteurized covers onto said filled cans thereby sealing the product within the latter.

JOHN H. m 

